Carl Garnett mounted a challenge for podium silverware as he secured a pair of fourth place finishes in tricky weather conditions during the latest rounds of the Ginetta GT Championship at Cadwell Park this past weekend (22/23 July).
After a five week break since the last rounds at Snetterton, Garnett was eager to return to racing and tackle the unique, undulating Cadwell Park circuit for the first time behind the wheel of his AC Database Services and Demon Tweeks backed Ginetta G56 GTP.
It proved to be a particularly challenging weekend as rain fell across the weekend. It was particularly heavy in qualifying on Saturday morning, with the York-based driver adapted well to the treacherous conditions to match his best qualifying performance of the season of third overall.
Targeting a podium finish in the opening race, Garnett put in a spirited defence of the position from championship leader Luke Reade in the early laps. While unfortunately he would ultimately lose the position, he comfortably came home fourth for a great result to kick off the weekend’s racing.
Race two on Sunday morning would prove to be a frustrating one though, as a surprise suspension failure in the early laps led to a retirement. That brought to an end a remarkable finishing record for Garnett, who had previously reached the end of his last 54 Ginetta races in a row.
Determined to bounce back in style in the final race, Garnett enjoyed a fast start in his Breakell Racing machine as he shot up to fourth off the line. Further progress came later in the lap, as he benefitted from a mistake by the driver ahead to slot into third place.
While unfortunately unable to maintain that place for long, Garnett put in a great performance from there to maintain fourth to the chequered flag. The weekend results mean remains right in contention for a top three championship finish heading into the final six races of the season.
Carl Garnett:“It’s a shame to miss out on a picking up a trophy this weekend, especially having been up in third in a couple of the races, but ultimately I’m pleased with the performances I produced considering it was my first time racing at Cadwell Park in the Ginetta.
“Truthfully fourth place is where I was pace wise this weekend and on a circuit that’s not designed for cars as wide as these, it was difficult to properly race. I enjoyed the challenge though, especially adapting to the changing weather conditions across the weekend.
“To have finished more than 50 races in a row is great, though naturally it is a shame to have that run ended. It’s been another good, fun weekend with the Breakell Racing team and I’m looking forward to the next one.”
The penultimate round of the 2023 Ginetta GT Championship takes place in seven weeks’ time at Brands Hatch (09/10 September), before the season finale at Donington Park the following month (21/22 October).
Image from Jakob Ebrey Photography.
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